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By David Muchui

The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) has partnered Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders in dealing a final blow to female genital cutting (FGC) that has since gone underground in Meru and Tharakanithi counties.

Speaking during a reproductive health workshop organized by the Anglican Development Services Mt Kenya East (ADS) and African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET), Canon John Peter Mutiria, the Archdeacon of ACK Chogoria Archdeaconry said there is need for sustained sensitization to root out the vice.

ADS Mount Kenya East Executive Director Catherine Mwangi noted that a recent baseline survey in Tharaka Nithi and Meru showed that three girls out of 10 have undergone the cut.

“We appreciate the continued campaigns to eradicate FGC but there is need all stakeholders to work together to bring it to an end. The Anglican Church is happy to associate with Njuri Ncheke elders who for a long time have campaigned against FGM. We urge all Christians to be vigilant to nab those holding on to the practice,” Arch Deacon Muturia said.

He said that the church will ensure the law on FGM is fully enforced through sensitizing worshipers, addressing public barazas and schools.

ADS Mt Kenya East Executive Director said that the vice has continued to affect education of the girl child as it results to early marriages.

”This workshop was prompted by a baseline survey we carried out in May this year. We found out that three out of 10 girls have undergone the cut while some areas the number rose up to five out of 10. This calls for continued empowerment of the girl child,” Mwangi said.

FEMNET Regional Programme Associate Kennedy Odhiambo said the initiative is geared towards mobilizing men and the church as agents of change in the society.

Female genital mutilation is on the decline following alternative rites of passage campaigns launched by various organizations in the region.

However, ardent supporters of the vice have been evading arrest by carrying out the practice in hideout.

ENDS…